Japanese Conversation · Level 124
60 words
Japanese word
動揺
Pronunciation
Romajidōyō
Meaning
- noundistress
Example
彼女は人前で動揺を見せませんでした。kano jo wa hito mae de dō yō o mi se ma se n de shi ta
She did not show her distress in public.
More examples
予想外の知らせを聞いても、彼女は動揺を抑えました。yo sō gai no shi ra se o ki i te mo kano jo wa dō yō o osa e ma shi ta
Even after hearing the unexpected news, she kept her distress under control.
Core concept
Describes a person, object, or situation losing its steady state through inner unrest or physical movement.
Common phrases
動揺を隠せないdō yō o kaku se na i
be unable to hide one's distress
動揺が収まるdō yō ga osa ma ru
distress subsides
動揺を抑えるdō yō o osa e ru
control distress
動揺を見せるdō yō o mi se ru
show distress
動揺が広がるdō yō ga hiro ga ru
distress spreads
Similar words
狼狽rōbai: A loss of composure caused by a sudden or troubling event.
焦りaseri: A hurried state caused by pressure or a need to act quickly.
困惑konwaku: A state of being unable to decide or understand what to do.
不安fuan: A worried state caused by uncertainty or the expectation of trouble.
Definition in Japanese
心や物が揺れ動き、安定や落ち着きを失うこと。kokoro ya mono ga yu re ugo ki an tei ya o chi tsu ki o ushina u ko to
Word origin
動揺 (dōyō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 動 (dō, "move") and 揺 (yō, "sway"), giving the sense of movement that disrupts stability.
Usage tips
- Japanese uses 動揺する (dōyō suru) for a person who loses composure, and it also describes a ship or vehicle rocking from side to side.